Young people from Merseyside attended an Open Morning at Mattel Play! Liverpool to hear more about joining a new programme teaching them about the world of work.
Mattel Play! has joined forces with the Albert Dock Charity to help teenagers with additional needs gain knowledge and confidence within the workplace by joining a six-week ‘work readiness’ scheme, delivered in partnership with Merseyside Youth Association’s Talent Match.
The interactive indoor play centre, based within Albert Dock Liverpool, is taking a leading role in the programme which aims to assist local 16-18 year olds, who are not in education, employment or training, in developing their life skills through valuable hands-on experience across a range of job roles.
The introductory Open Morning took place on Thursday, April 5 at Mattel Play! and was a great success, providing interested candidates the chance to learn more about the opportunities available to them should they decide to join the course itself.
Jo Lee, Albert Dock Charity’s programme coordinator, said:
“The Work Placement Readiness Programme begins on April 11 and gives participants one-and-a-half days’ experience per week within Albert Dock Liverpool, covering the likes of health and safety in the workplace, team building and interpersonal skills, plus interview tips and even mystery shopper exercises.
“As part of the course, students will be given the opportunity to take part in an interactive placement at Mattel Play! itself, focusing on marketing and learning about promoting products through the media.”
Zachary Roberts-Kendall, commercial manager at Mattel Play! Liverpool, said:
“We at Mattel Play! believe it’s really important to get Liverpool’s youth into work, regardless of their ability and experience.
“This programme offers a valuable opportunity to those who may be struggling to gain a foothold in the job market.
“At Mattel Play! Liverpool we aim to create an inclusive environment, and have worked with charities such as Autism Together and Autism Adventures UK to create autism-friendly sessions at our attraction.
“This scheme follows other successful placements we’ve given to young people with special educational needs and we look forward to working with the Albert Dock Charity in this venture.”
For more information about the scheme, contact Jo Lee, the work placement readiness programme coordinator: jo.lee@albertdock.com
For more information about Mattel Play! Liverpool visit the website: www.mattelplayliverpool.com or check Facebook and Twitter.